Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

Eligible organizations interested in partnering with NRCS on conservation projects can apply for RCPP. Lead partners must submit applications and manage the project if selected. Producers and landowners can participate by engaging with project partners or applying directly to NRCS. Projects must be carried out on agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land or associated land where conservation activities can provide benefits. Public lands may be included if the activities benefit eligible lands. Partner contributions must at least equal the NRCS investment, and substantive contributions are prioritized. Projects must propose solutions addressing one or more natural resource priorities. Partners must have the experience, expertise, and capacity to manage the partnership, provide outreach, and quantify environmental outcomes. Projects must meaningfully engage historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

RCPP funding is divided evenly between two pools: Critical Conservation Areas and State/Multistate projects. Each pool receives 50 percent of the funding. RCPP projects may include a range of conservation activities such as land management, land improvement, restoration practices, land rentals, entity-held easements, and public works. The program provides funding for conservation activities through contracts and easements or by reimbursing partners for activities done on behalf of producers and landowners.

Potential partners can propose RCPP projects where NRCS and partners co-invest in solutions to natural resource concerns. Applications can be submitted through the RCPP competition. Details on how to apply are available on the NRCS website.